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Persistence and Resilience

January 17, 2019 By

Since I have only been volunteering at PACC for less than 6 months, I am still learning so much; just like teaching a Reiki class or giving a Reiki session to human clients, one needs to be Mindful about what is unique in each situation.

This week I was saddened to see or learn about a few older dogs whom had been adopted out during the holiday season and returned; it hurt my heart for these precious lives to have found hope and a new home..only to be disappointed and returned.  Perhaps the cat didn’t get  along with the new dog…or there were questions about how this new member of the family would do with the children.  I remember back to my own experience after adopting Kiki 6+ years ago; he was difficult in many ways especially when he ate thru 3 couches, some curtains, part of a wooden rocking chair leg, mail, etc. He was also very reactive to all the rabbits in our neighborhood and would stand up on his hind legs whenever he saw a rabbit!  Despite all of this, he was ours and there was no question about returning him; we were family and needed to learn how to best work with his behaviors…helping him to be the best Kiki Drozdoff possible!  He no longer reacts to rabbits nor eats furniture!  He does occasionally take a piece of mail as a joke…and definitely thinks that he is the neighborhood protector from coyotes.

We have so many precious dogs at PACC who deserve a loving home and will definitely enrich your lives.  Be persistent with your love, positive expectations and reinforcement; be resilient and unless there are dire circumstances, don’t give up!

Filed Under: Animals and Reiki, Blog, Mindfulness Tagged With: ,

Don’t be Deceived by those Eyes!

January 17, 2019 By

When I go to PACC each week, there are so many wonderful dogs competing for my attention; each one tries to express it’s individuality whether by barking, sitting for me, using non verbal communication…including ‘those eyes’.  I am usually excellent at assessing which dog might benefit and welcome me for some massage, Reiki and hopefully good company.

Last week my heart responded to ‘those eyes’ that were sad,  inviting and hopeful.  I had read on the board that this dog could be a bit ‘shy’ (which is often my favorite to work with)…and might pull getting back into the kennel.  I decided to take this big girl out to a play area and I could see that her main focus was on how to escape if the opportunity presented itself; after a little time together I decided that she wasn’t getting that much benefit and decided to take her back to her kennel.  Getting her in wasn’t bad but when I tried to exit, she pushed past me and was soon running throughout the pods as if she was in a marathon.  I kept running after her…and she kept running away from me. Other dogs were barking and there wasn’t anyone to initially assist me.  Finally I trapped her by a gate…and asked a young man to accompany us back to her kennel.

So…what did I learn???? don’t get taken by those eyes!  wear a whistle!  be mindful of these animals who are new at PACC and may be having adjustment issues.  After all this excitement, I was ready to hold, love and Reiki some 2 month old heeler pups!

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‘Hierarchy of Needs’ and Reiki

December 19, 2018 By

Many of us may remember studying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  Yesterday at PACC where I volunteer, I was reflecting on that as I worked with one dog who wanted lots of affection (kisses, Reiki, massage and hugs) and another whom had apparently been so deprived of sufficient nutrition, that he just wanted me to keep feeding him treats/biscuits.

If we are Reiki trained and working on someone else, what is their hierarchy of needs?  Is it to feel safe? emotionally comforted? physically soothed?  or a variety of other needs?  As always, take a thorough intake with your client about their intention for the session as well as any history of trauma and loss.  Quiet your own mind and be the channel for healing energy, light and wisdom to flow thru you .  And…as Mrs. Takata would say:  ‘let your hands teach you’!

Filed Under: Animals and Reiki, Blog, Uncategorized

Reflections from a ‘Dog Whisperer’ RMT

October 25, 2018 By

As you may know from prior posts, I have been volunteering at PACC weekly doing Reiki and Massage (and walking the dogs) whenever I am in town; after being away from PACC for nearly a month due to a fabulous trip to Indonesia/Bali, I was very excited to get back to these precious dogs of all sizes, breeds and time in the shelter while awaiting hopefully adoption by their forever families.  When it started to rain and lightening, I decided that it was time to get inside and focus on Reiki and massage instead of giving a few additional dogs their morning walk (and a little massage if open to it).  Since many of the dogs in the Pod were above the level that I am presently eligible to go directly into their kennel, I again took a pillow and chose whichever dog was calling for more TLC (or had notations stating that he/she might be shy or very scared or stressed).  Sitting across from a 1 1/2 y.o. who had only been there for a month who would barely make contact with me and sat in the back of her kettle, I began sending Reiki thru my hands, eyes and heart while chanting the Karuna symbols Zona Krya Halu Harth; she slowly would peep out at me until she felt safe enough to eat a biscuit and later allow me to touch her thru the cage.  I later worked individually with another 5 dogs or so…but wanted to reach them all so I chanted loud enough allowing the positive vibrations to bring healing to each.  It was an exquisite day for me…and hopefully for them too.  For any ART or RMT students who want to work with animals, this is another reason to take your Karuna training!

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Taking Care of Business

September 13, 2018 By

I am having a glorious time volunteering at PAC doing Reiki and Massage on such precious dogs waiting for forever homes!  If you are thinking of adopting, come by and meet some of these wonderful animals…and maybe your new member of your family.

On 9/12, I was doing massage and Reiki in the kennel of a dog I had worked on before; I used my eyes and heart to reach out to those in kennels across from me and tell them that I ‘loved them’ over and over again.  They took in the positive energy and quieted down.  One in particular, Jimmy Chew gave me the most soulful eyes and asked to be next.  I looked at the assignment board and saw that this lovely 12 y.o hadn’t been walked yet.  I took him outside and he took care of business 3x.  I almost decided to do Reiki outside but listened to his desire to walk around and smell whatever attracted him; this was his time to use and not my agenda.  Once back in his kennel, he was ready for some extra loving with massage and Reiki.  I was then gifted with kisses and he gave me his paw spontaneously many times as if to express much gratitude and friendship.

So..what does this have to do with our adult Reiki practice? We may have our own agenda for a session, but we need to assess what initial ‘business’ needs to be done first.  Has the client filled out the intake and consent forms and know what to expect during the session?  Do you know if there are special needs or prior traumas? Has your person been given water and a chance to go to the toilet?  Once on the table, have you done byosen scanning? You are forming a supportive and therapeutic relationship as well as making sure the environment is comfortable. Once you have taken care of business, Reiki will be your guide and the experience will be memorable for you both.

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